Civil Rights, Housing, and Voting Rights

Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released this statement after Congressional Black Caucus unanimously elected Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) to serve as Chair during the 113^th Congress.

The Caucus also elected G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) to serve as First Vice Chair, Yvette Clarke (NY-11) as Second Vice Chair, Rep. André Carson (IN-07) as Secretary and Rep. Karen Bass (CA-33) as Whip.

"The CBC has a rich history of exceptional chairs and Marcia Fudge will be a great addition to this legacy. Congresswoman Fudge will bring her extensive experience serving Ohio and as an advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities to continue pushing towards the CBC’s legislative goals. I look forward to opportunities that I can work with her and the CBC Executive Board to make the American dream accessible to all Americans."

Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released the following statement regarding Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser’s response to criticism by National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Chairman Felix Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez has been working to increase the number of Hispanics recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors.

“Mr. Kaiser’s language was a shocking, intemperate and inappropriate response to a genuine request by Mr. Sanchez, who was merely pointing out a concern, shared by many, about the lack of Hispanic award recipients.

It shows a profound disrespect for Mr. Sanchez and makes it more difficult to come to an understanding about including Latinos in one of our country’s highest cultural honors. This issue merits a civil and professional response, which we continue to await.”